‘Bhagavadgītā’ represents one of the ‘theoretical conclusions’ texts of topics dealt in Mahābhārata. It is a miniature ‘Encyclopedia’ of Vedopanishadic yogic techniques to establish a bonding relationship between the God_Supreme and the yoga_performer. Pauranetihasic literature is full descriptions of Vedic Gods in numerous symbolic (सान्केतिक_स्वरूप) representations e.g. Narasimha with lion’s head, Ganesha with elephant’s head, Brahmadeva with four heads etc.
In the Laxmi_Narayana conversation in Padma_Purana (chapter 171, stanza’s 27 & 28) the world-famous literary text ‘Bhagavadgītā’ is visualized as a human like idol with 5 heads, 10 hands and 2 legs as follows.
The first five chapters represent five heads (Theoretical Laws, Theorems, Hypothesis). The next 10 chapters (i.e. Ch.6 to ch.15) represent 10_hands (Practically Implementable Physical, Mental, Intellectual, Emotional, Spiritual Activities). The next 16th chapter represents the stomach (Digestive discrimination involving desirable’s absorption and undesirable’s excretion). The last two chapters represent strong two legs (Supporting Pillars). Understanding this representation leads to improved understanding of this great literary spiritual guide.
वक्त्र १ : First Head : विषाद योग :
Theoretical ‘Hypothesis’ here is that, A vast majority of human population relies on pleasing & praying God to receive his divine & mysterious help while facing desperately helpless, hopeless situations.
वक्त्र २ : Second Head : सांख्य योग :
The theoretical ‘Hypothesis’ : ‘Nothing can be created out of ‘Nothing’. Consequently, nothing can be destroyed, but only transformed from it’s present form into another state or form. The egg_hen, seed_tree type dilemma’s clearly suggest the presence of a supernaturally intelligent power, called ‘God_Supreme’, mysteriously starting these cyclic self-supporting regenerating events.
वक्त्र ३ : Third Head : कर्म योग :
The theoretical ‘Hypothesis’ is ‘Everything’ in this manifested world, (from fundamental particles like photons and electrons to huge galaxies), is engaged in continuous natural activity, determined by it’s ‘Nature’ (प्र_कृति). Therefore, for anybody, it is impossible to remain in totally ‘Inactive_State’. The only choice is to perform all one’s responsibilities in tune with nature.
वक्त्र ४ : Fourth Head : ज्ञान कर्म संन्यास योग :
The theoretical ‘Hypothesis’ is, before undertaking the responsibility of carrying out any major activity, one must study & understand the ‘what, when, which_one, how, why etc.’ about that activity from most appropriate & reliable resources. Only morally good and legal activities should be carried out. Avoid spiritually immoral, unhealthy and administratively illegal activities.
वक्त्र ५ : Fifth Head : कर्म संन्यास योग :
Theoretical ‘Hypothesis’ is that every activity carried out (consciously or unconsciously), invariably leads to certain results (or fruits). Activities carried out with selfishly ‘motivated expectations’ certainly lead to acquisition of sins (पापसंचय), bondage (कर्मबन्धन) and habit forming attachments (सन्ग) etc., leading to moral and spiritual degradation.
भुजा १ : First Hand : आत्म संयम योग :
Recommended Activity number_1 is ‘Self_Control’ : world famous ‘Rājayoga’ : Patanjali Sutra based ‘Ashtānga_Yoga’.
भुजा २ : Second Hand : ज्ञान_विज्ञान योग :
Next recommended Yoga activity, involves intellectual understanding of 8 constituents of Mother Nature (अष्टधा प्रकृति = पञ्च महाभूत + मन+बुद्धि+अहंकार) in the ‘manifested Universe’ as well as, self-personality (and every living species / human body) and then behave appropriately.
भुजा ३ : Third Hand : अक्षर_ब्रह्म योग :
Yoga activity belonging to this practice is intellectual understanding and appreciation of the present status (तात्कालिक_क्षर_स्वरूप), as well as, the theoretically ultimate (मूलाधार_अक्षर_स्वरूप) nature of Brahma (and Mother Nature). ‘Energy’ (which can neither be created nor be destroyed) as understood by modern science is an example of Vedic concept of ‘अक्षर_ब्रह्म’.
भुजा ४ : Fourth Hand : राजविद्या राजगुह्य योग :
This Yoga activity, involves intellectual understanding and appreciation of; a) the infinite expanse of the physical 3D_space being fully occupied by the ‘un_manifested’ (निर्गुण = without detectable characteristics) form of the divine supreme god, b) Supreme god’s presence in additional ‘N’ dimensional forms, not covered by this physical 3D_space (अत्यतिष्ठत्_दशान्गुलम्). Ignorant atheist’s deny to accept this divine omnipresence. Knowledgeable scholars (sages, saints etc.) understand and spend maximum time periods, in saluting, appreciating, worshiping and praising this omni space, omni time divine presence, and thereby live in an emotional mental state linked with God & free of sorrow, tensions & grievances.
भुजा ५ : Fifth Hand : विभूति योग :
This yoga activity recommends a) youngsters and b) Those (fans) who have tendencies to choose & follow their own hero (/ heroin), to choose divine ‘Role_Models’.
भुजा ६ : Sixth Hand : विश्वरूप दर्शन योग :
This yoga activity involves practicing the theoretical Knowledge ‘न_अन्यत्_अस्ति’ ‘Nothing else exists’ i.e. consciously willfully practicing the awareness that everything sensed by sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin) is nothing else but a temporarily present, transient detectable (स_गुण, व्यक्त ) manifested form of the ultimate (सगुण + निर्गुण = व्यक्त + अव्यक्त = क्षर + अक्षर) ‘God_Supreme God’.
भुजा ७ : Seventh Hand : भक्ति योग :
‘Devotional bonding’ advocated by this yoga activity, i.e., ‘Emotional Activity’, to get (and remain) emotionally linked with the divine presence (of performer’s own choice and format) for a 24 x 7 period, throughout devotee’s lifespan.
भुजा ८ : Eighth Hand : क्षेत्र_क्षेत्रज्ञ विभाग योग :
This yoga activity needs combination of intellectual, emotional and spiritual activities. Study of self-personality to understood it’s nature as a combination of a) क्षेत्र – gross physical body (e.g. head, hands, legs, etc.), and subtle physical body (e.g. sensory system, digestive system, etc.), along with still subtler mind, intellect, emotional system etc. and b) the spirit or Atmā (क्षेत्रज्ञ), and behave consciously appropriately.
भुजा ९ : Ninth Hand : गुण_त्रय विभाग योग :
This yoga activity involves intellectual discrimination with mental resolve and will power. The human natural tendencies can be broadly divided in three categories. 1) Saintly, spiritually creditable, linking with God, 2) Worldly (partially saintly and partially demonic), spiritually mediocre, 3) Demonic, cruel, lazy, selfish, spiritually low, distancing with God. Choose saintly behavior patterns.
भुजा १० : Tenth Hand : पुरुषोत्तम योग :
This yoga activity, involves intelligence and memory to discriminate between a) the ‘xara Purusha’ – physical body, as well as, mental, intellectual and emotional (पञ्च कोषात्मक) personalities changing with schooling, aging etc. b) The ‘a_xara_Purusha’ (पञ्चम_कोषस्थित अन्तरात्मा Consciousness) which remains unchanged with aging and c) ‘Uttama_Purusha’, (परमात्मा) who pervades in one’s body and activates all those body-systems which are not in one’s willful control (e.g. Digestion, blood circulation, etc.). Then keep on thanking and feeling obliged to this ‘Purushottam’ for his divine untiring help.
उदर १ : Stomach : दैवासुर_संपत् विभाग योग :
Digestion and acquisition of ‘good moral characteristics’ (दैवी सम्पत्ति = Divine Property) is ‘spiritual_prosperity’, leading to peace, happiness and progress towards spiritual salvation (दैवी_सम्पत् विमोक्षाय). Acquiring (आसुरी सम्पत्ति =) Demonic characteristics (= काम, क्रोध, मद, मत्सर, दम्भ, दर्प, लोभ, मोह, ईर्षा, दुरहन्कार, दुराभिमान, दुराशा, आशा etc.) leads to increased sorrow, grief, bondage etc.
पद १ : First Leg : श्रद्धा_त्रय विभाग योग :
Strong legs provide support necessary for stably standing, walking or running. Acquiring divine faith (सात्विक श्रद्धा, अफलाकान्क्षि यज्ञादिक कर्मे, देवता-पूजन, सुखद_रसाळ_स्निग्ध आहार) provides first strong leg. Humane Faith- (राजसिक श्रद्धा : यक्ष_राक्षस पूजन, कटु_आम्ल, लवण, अति_ऊष्ण रुक्ष, विदाहिन आहार) & Demonic Faith – (तामसिक श्रद्धा : भूत_प्रेत_पिशाच्च पूजनम्, उच्छिष्ट_यातयाम_गतरस आहार) generate weaknesses in spiritual leg muscles.
पद २ : Second Leg : मोक्ष_संन्यास योग :
Acquiring spiritually worthy (सात्विक) knowledge, mental resolve, Happiness etc. provides second strong leg to walk and reach spiritual_status nearer (closer) to God, called as ‘Salvation’ (मोक्ष).
Understanding ‘Bhagavadgītā’ in this fashion and appropriate implementation, helps spiritual progress towards salvation (मोक्ष).
Dr. Dhananjay B. Ghare, Former Scientist, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Vedic WAVES 